Keep Your Guard Up

SATAN: the enemy of Christ who wants to scare the HEAVEN out of you! - Anon

Goliath relied on his size to taunt and frustrate the Israelites. But then a little scrawny kid 'rocked' him to sleep. OUCH!

Growing up there were certain 'invented' individuals that evoked fear in us as children (bogeyman, closet monsters, etc.) that we eventually outgrew. Then there were certain real creatures that evoked fear in us as well (spiders, snakes, hornets, etc.) that we learned to control or stay away from. What's amazing is that in our Christian walk we know we have an enemy who's after our souls and uses scare tactics that seem to intrigue and interest us so much we fail to see what he's up to and where he's leading us. We must realize that he really has no power over us unless we invite him by lowering our guards (no prayer/study/meditation/fellowship), or by lowering our standards (respectable sins?). Like David, we must see beyond what is immediately in front of us, to the God who is always with us and for us. Not only is the road to hell paved with good intentions, but the way to heaven requires sacrifices.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith...." - I Peter 5:8-9

That Unchangeable Truth

Facts do not cease to exist just because they are ignored. - Aldous Huxley

Though Adonijah declared himself king with celebrations and such, it just wasn't so. Hmm!

"Face the facts!" Boy, haven't we heard that expression a ton of times in our lives. And deservedly so. It normally happens when we begin to think everything is about us, and for us, and we try to make it so, but the logic just does not apply to our situation. You just can’t change the truth. And often we forget or try to ignore the very first truth of all things: God made the world and everything in it first, BEFORE He made us! So, the world and everything in it operates under His providential design. Even though God put man in 'charge' of it, He never gave man authority to change anything. And if we know anything of the scriptures, we can clearly see life continues to happen just as God ordained it. So now, today would be a good time for us to wise up.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man...." - Ecclesiastes 12:13

Not Rocket Science or Powered

The power of prayer rests on the ONE who hears it, and not on the one who says it. – A. Brown

Jonathan’s victory over the Philistine outpost was ‘perhaps’ because he trusted in God. Hmm!

Prayer! Why is it such a hard thing to do? Why do we fear others hearing us pray out loud? So often we approach prayer like it’s an IRS form or a job application, and we have to fill in all the spaces correctly or there’ll be big trouble. Or we feel we have to say all the right words or be somewhat long or overtly emotional in our plea. God is not standing over us in a white coat and clipboard when we pray. He knows our heart and our needs before we even ask Him. His invitation to prayer is really just a desire to commune together, meet and share concerns, hopes, dreams, and encouragement. There is no standardized format. The main thing in our prayer time is that we acknowledge God for who He is, and our complete dependence upon Him. And since there is nothing ‘too hard’ for Him, He eagerly awaits us to show His power.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know…” – Jeremiah 33:3

Looking Beyond Fear

Courage doesn't mean you don't get afraid. Courage means you don't let fear stop you! - Anon

After being beaten and imprisoned for 'preaching' Jesus, Paul and Silas just sang out loud about Him. AMEN!

FEAR! It can cripple the best of us. Stop us dead in our tracks. Make us pull back. Why? The answer lies with us. So often we look at our own mortality, our own status/position, our own possessions, etc., things we'd rather not lose. Notice the emphasis on 'our own'. That's self-centered thinking. Courage requires us to look beyond ourselves and see the greater good. Perhaps that's why there at about 366 verses in the bible that tell us in various ways "not to fear." That's a verse for each day of the year, including leap years. God wants us to focus our faith on Him, put our trust in Him, and when He truly becomes the center of all that we are, He drives out fear and replaces it with peace. And that seems like a great trade-off to me.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." - I John 4:4

Are You Afraid of...?

Fear is the darkroom where 'negatives' are developed. - Anon

One man - Goliath - struck fear in a whole army, that is until David came along. WOW!

Kryptonite! It was Superman's weakness. It completely immobilized him and his superpowers. What about us, what might ours be - FEAR! Not the 'scared of the dark' kind of fear, but the fear of inadequacy, fear of not measuring up. We fear our past cropping up to embarrass us. We fear our future will be too difficult. We fear letting others down, letting ourselves down. Our fears keep us from reaching out, and often reaching UP to God. The enemy's greatest ploy is to fill us with fear. That's why God's Word directs us and commands us time and again not to be afraid. Just as He told Joshua to be 'strong and courageous' going into a foreign land, as we commune with God each morning we should leave that encounter 'strong and courageous' as we enter into the new territory of TODAY. As long as we are walking faithfully we really have no need to fear for God has our back, front, sides, etc., for He is all encompassing around us. So, we have nothing to fear but.......actually nothing!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you...Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid..." - John 14:27

Don't Delay

Somebody said it couldn’t be done – it wasn’t God. – Anon

God was willing to work with Gideon and the ‘fleece’ in any fashion to show him the time was now. Hmm!

It’s amazing how we always want our turn when playing a game or receiving a blessing, but how we want to put our turn off when it comes to something unpleasant. We don’t seem to mind procrastinating then. When you really stop to think about it, the habit of procrastination takes a 2-fold toll on us. First, important work that needs to be done goes undone. Second, valuable energy we could use in doing the work gets wasted in activities we ‘drum up’ to avoid what we should be doing. So what results is delay, followed by anxiety, then a hurried, harried attempt to catch-up, leading to more anxiety or stress. The truth is we procrastinate out of fear, fear that we’re somehow inadequate at the time to do the job. But God gives us all we need beforehand, or will equip us with what we need ‘during’ the test so we need not fear, only ask His help to tackle the task. So if we meet the challenge head on we can avoid untold trouble, worry, and stress. Life doesn’t procrastinate – neither should we.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“….Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself….” – Matthew 6:34

Great Efforts to Please The Great I Am

“You call what you’re doing a living sacrifice?” – God

Jacob had to leave his family, slept alone with a ‘rock’ for a pillow, and still got up and praised God. Hmm!

Often most of us just fall into the rut of life, just doing what we need to do to get by, make ends meet, keep the lights on, etc. And unfortunately, the same attitude falls upon our ministry and worship efforts. But if God is a God of life, joy, vibrancy, and the One who is ‘doing a new thing’ should not our lives somewhat parallel the One in whose image we were made? The spirit-filled individuals we read about in His Word had problems as well, but it seems they went out of their way and normal routines to praise/please God. If God is the same ‘yesterday, today, and forever,’ I think the same type of attitude and effort is still what pleases Him. Hopefully we’re all up for it today.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“{God said} Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” – Job 1:8

Time for Some Action

Thinking will never overcome fear. But action will! - Anon

When Daniel heard about the king's new decree he just went home and prayed on it. Amen!

Make no mistake about it friend, it is good to plan, strategize, map out our intended progress. But there comes a time when we must take action. Good intentions are just that - intentions, until we begin to act on them. In every well-planned war, game, or contest, changes in your enemies strategy results in instant changes in yours. And when time is of the essence you must be willing to act in faith (trusting God) to overcome. Our trust and reliance on God in these moments is crucial for the battle is His alone. He will give the perspective, courage, insight, and strength we need to be victorious. All we need do is be ready and available. Eventually, we will be singing a new song of praise to Him. Welcome to the New Year!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Come, let's go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few." - I Samuel 14:6

Choice, Circumstances and Conclusions

In the grand scheme of things there is God in ALL things. - Anon

Rahab is in the genealogy of Jesus for a reason. Hmm!

"How did the world wind up like this?" "How did I wind up in this position?" Why are people so evil...?" Honest questions we all ask from time to time. The 1-word answer - SIN! God did not create sin but He knew it was an inevitable possibility with giving us free will. But even with that He created a way out for us (Jesus) and a place for those who don't want Him (Hell). Again, letting us by our own free will make the choice. Life is full of choices. No one is a victim of their circumstances; they are victim of their free will choices to the circumstances that presented themselves. The good thing is that though we may make a bad decision from time to time, God can take it and make it work out for our good if we're willing to trust Him. It doesn't mean He will take the situation away, but He will give us a new perspective and a renewed spirit to see and deal with it in a way that brings glory to Him, and that ain't all bad.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind." - Ecclesiastes 12:13

Ask Ahead

It’s good to believe in prayer, but what we believe about prayer is far greater. – Bill Pile

Daniel prayed 3 times a day. Jesus prayed before every decision, miracle, or move He made. Their results speak loudly! Hmm!

The average person will say they believe a healthy diet and exercise is good for the body, but rarely will they do it. They will say they know they need to save money before an emergency arises, but again, it’s rare if they do. We’re told to ‘pray without ceasing’ but….. Most of us as Christians do pray. However, if we were to look at our prayer life we would see we’re often praying ‘after the fact’ rather than before the storm; which shows our belief about prayer is somewhat lacking. If prayer is able to “change things” or “move God” should we not be asking ahead?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“[Uzziah] did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father Amaziah had done. He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success.” – II Chronicles 26:4-5

Fear God

We fear men so much, because we fear God so little. One fear cures another. – W. Gurnall

Saul’s fighting men greatly feared Goliath and allowed him to taunt them 40 days. But along came scrawny little David and his God. AMAZING!

Most of us remember a time when as children, though our parents weren’t around we were well behaved because we feared what would happen if they found out we misbehaved. God, as our Supreme Father commands the same respect. But often the TRUTH of the matter is ‘out of sight, out of mind.’ Because we don’t often see a physical manifestation of God we have no fear of Him. But the REALITY of the matter is God is ever present, - ‘I will not leave you or forsake you;’ – we just refuse to see Him and submit in obedience to Him. The antidote to fear is love – ‘perfect love drives away fear’. God will not force His will upon us at any time, but then again neither will He force HEAVEN upon us later. The choice is always ours.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” – Matthew 10:28

No Worries Mate

Don’t worry about the “what ifs”; concentrate on the “what IS…..” – Anon

Noah completed the ark because he trusted in God’s weather report. Hmm!

A hurricane in California – wow! Didn’t see that coming. Life is full of surprises, risks, contingencies and unknowns. But if we take time to think about it, these are exactly the things that make life worthwhile – not always knowing for sure how things are going to turn out. But though we may not know, we should never live in fear of or be ‘paralyzed’ by the thought of not knowing. We have been blessed with enough raw material and resources for TODAY only, God will supply tomorrow if necessary, so we need only to take care of the here and now not worrying about anything else. We’ve already been assured that the great 'what IS', is that God is still on the THRONE, God is still in CONTROL, God is still FOR YOU, and God WILL ALWAYS WIN OUT. What, me worry?

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“….if God be for us, who can be against us…” – Romans 8:31

That Sweetness of Life

Life is a great bundle of little things. – O.W. Holmes

As Mary watched her ‘child’ grow the bible says she treasured many moments and hid them in her heart. Hmm!

Remember as a kid biting into a nice freshly picked peach or apple maybe. All natural, plump, juicy, sweet as can be with no additives, preservatives, or artificial coloring. Much different than what you get today from the market. There’s a difference too, between the natural ‘sweetness’ of life and the things we think should be added to it. A hectic pace that keeps our calendars crowded and far from the pace God wants us to walk that we may savor the day(s); or a vast number of online connections and conversations rather than a meaningful face to face encounter with a friend. God never said life has to be lived in the fast lane nor be crowded without margin. His idea is that we just enjoy the simple pleasures. Today would be a great time to start.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“…better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil…” – Proverbs 15:16

A Recipe for Rest

If you get tired, learn to rest, not quit! - Banksy

One could almost argue that Jethro's advice to his son-in-law Moses was 'lifesaving.' Amen!

We didn't often like them as kids, but oh my, how good does a nap feel now. The opportunity to rest from the days concerns - Yes! But in truth many of us have not really learned the true meaning of REST, which is why we're so worn out, frazzled, stressed, and stretched thin. Rest is so much more than lying down for a few minutes or several hours. Rest means learning how to say 'NO' in love and mean it to those who try to crowd in on your schedule. Rest means learning how to 'delegate' tasks to others, empowering them to act. Rest means learning how to 'prepare' in advance of pressing situations so they don't stress you out. And finally, Rest means learning how to lay your cares at the altar of God and trust He will work it out. Yes, we are to be busy with the Master's plan, but He never intended to overwork anyone.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"The fear of the Lord leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble." - Proverbs 19:23

Stretch Out In Faith

If God is asking you to do something, he already knows about the risks involved. – Anon

Ananais questioned the Lord when he was directed to go lay hands on a new convert. But he went, and a great church persecutor was defeated, and a great missionary evangelist was born, Paul. WOW!

Anxiety. Fear. Worry. For some reason even though we are believers; these words seem to creep into our life whenever God asks us to do something out of the realm of ‘ordinary.’ We’re good at ordinary, it’s safe and familiar, and often comfortable, but God is looking for us to stretch out in faith by getting out of or expanding our comfort zone and trust him in unfamiliar surroundings. Great things are waiting to happen. I pray He may count on us all today.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” – Matthew 5:11-12

The Right Success

Our greatest fear should not be of failure, but of succeeding at something that really doesn’t matter. – Anon

The “Rich Fool” in Luke 12, was a worldly success, but a spiritual failure. He received his just rewards. OUCH!

More often than we like to admit at times we’re like this man. We go all out and “spend our costs” to gain success or notoriety, make a name for ourselves, or achieve the spotlight. There are many great success stories in the word today, but the question we must ask is does it matter before God. Its true God wants us to be noble and known in society, but the success or glory belongs to Him and not us. The trappings of this world are just that ‘trappings.’ Let us remember this world is not our home.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, his work will be shown for what it is……..If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward.” – I Corinthians 3:12-14

The Miracle of Being Kept

The most important thing is to find out what is the most important thing. - S. Suzuki

Though the Israelites waited 40 years to enter the Promised Land the time was filled with the miraculous. Hmm!

We often hear people or friends say "I'm waiting for my miracle!" Whether it be one of healing, supplication, relationship, etc., they continue to hold fast and true to God waiting for the day of deliverance. Time and again you ask them and they reply "I'm still waiting!" It's both admirable and praiseworthy. In spite of their present and seemingly unchanging conditions they still seek God. But, maybe there's a secret or two along the way that was missed. God says He will always "uphold us with His righteous right hand." Maybe that in itself is just the miracle they're seeking. It should be pointed out that sometimes God just 'keeping us' is the miracle! Through it all, others may have fallen away or pulled back but God has never left our side. Maybe in the midst of what we're seeking, just knowing God is there is miracle enough!

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." - Isaiah 41:10

The Story of Our Life

Life is like a full library owned by an author. In it are a few books which he wrote himself, but most of them were written for him. – H.E. Fosdick

Most of the kings in the bible kept records of their monarchy, but it was always God’s Word that prevailed over them. Hmm!

The passing on of information and knowledge is a good thing, particularly those things that are helpful, insightful, and edifying. And books are a great resource for such a transaction. And yes, we should want to tell a story with our lives, but that story should be in context with the greater story of the God who made us. So we need to read and obey His book before we try and write ours. So often many of us are trying to write great screenplays, how-to books, or life guidance novels with our life story for those who come after us, when all we really need to do is as Solomon said “fear God and keep His commands.” That’s the story we should be writing with our lives for those who come after us. Life itself is the greatest gift we have, and if we live it right, tell it correctly, and write it succinctly for others, we will have all eternity to discuss it with them in glory. Today’s a good day to jot down a few notes.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Of making many books there is no end and much study wearies the body….here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” – Ecclesiastes 12:12-13

Finding Your Purpose

A Hun without purpose will never know when they have achieved it. – Attila the Hun

From the day he was born, Samuel knew he would serve before the Lord, and He was faithful til the end. Amen!

Games have end results – FUN! Contests have end results – A WINNER! Tests have end results – PASS or FAIL! Everything God created has a purpose and that includes us. To drift through life aimlessly without direction, goals, dreams, or meaningful purpose is to be separated from God. Life is not a game of survival, but a gift of opportunity to create and contribute to God’s story. The best place to look for purpose is not in our jobs, family, recreation, or social gatherings, but with Our Creator. He knows why we’re here.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter; Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.– Ecclesiastes 12:13

Lay Your Fears To Rest

To fight fear - act; to increase fear - wait. – D. Schwartz

In the parable of the talents, the servant given one talent not only feared when his master was away, but cowered before him when he returned. OUCH!

Remember the things you feared as a child? Eventually as we grew older and wiser we overcame such silliness, hopefully. But fear is still a great tool of the enemy to keep us enslaved. We tend to fear those things we’re unsure of. But God has told us in His word we need not fear the enemy or any of his schemes if we put our faith and trust in HIM, for HE is the ‘great overcomer!’ There is nothing and no one greater than God. And, He’s still the same God today that He was yesteryear. Let Him put all your fears to rest.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” – I John 4:18

Reminder: Today is the National Day of Prayer. May you add this to your prayer time. The theme for this year is “Lord, Pour Out Your Love, Life, and Liberty,” taken from 2 Corinthians 3:17.